Description

The MB.5 is a gift Rank IV British fighter
with a battle rating of 5.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm". Currently only available to be purchased on PC platforms.

The MB.5 is usually played as an interceptor or an air superiority fighter, due to its high speed and hard-hitting armament. Add into the equation a contra-rotating propeller, and you have the perfect combination of the best aircraft of two nations.

The MB.5 is an unusual plane by the standards of British aircraft. It seems like it should be an American aircraft due to its shape, but yet it is not. In fact, it behaves almost like your average P-51D Mustang would- it even looks like a Mustang, only with the nose of a Spitfire. What sets it apart from most Rank IV planes is the presence of a contra-rotating propeller, which is also found on the Wyvern S.4. The MB.5 is different than the Mustang in the armament it carries- four 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons rather than six .50 Cals. The MB.5 has a high rate-of-climb, as is expected of most British planes, which is nice for competing with same-tier German and Russian fighters. In short, the MB.5 is a sort of symbiosis of a Spitfire and a Mustang, which is a match-deciding plane in the right hands.

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics

Stock

Max Speed(km/h at 7,315 m)

Max altitude(meters)

Turn time(seconds)

Rate of climb(meters/second)

Take-off run(meters)

AB

RB

AB

RB

AB

RB

702

687

12,192

28.6

29.3

15.6

15.6

650

Upgraded

Max Speed(km/h at 7,315 m)

Max altitude (meters)

Turn time (seconds)

Rate of climb(meters/second)

Take-off run (meters)

AB

RB

AB

RB

AB

RB

?

?

12,192

??.?

??.?

?.?

?.?

650

Details

Features

Combat flap

Take-off flap

Landing flap

Air brakes

Arrestor gear

X

X

✓

X

X

Limits

Wing-break speed(km/h)

Gear limit(km/h)

Combat flap (km/h)

Max Static G

+

-

???

???

???

~??

~?

Optimal velocities

Ailerons(km/h)

Rudder(km/h)

Elevators(km/h)

Radiator(km/h)

< ???

< ???

< ???

> ???

Compressor (RB/SB)

Setting 1

Optimal altitude

100% Engine power

WEP Engine power

?,??? m

??? hp

?,??? hp

Survivability and armour

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Usage in battles

The primary, (and practically only) tactics when using the MB.5 is as an air superiority fighter or as an interceptor. This is given the MB.5 does not mount any external weapons, which renders it useless against ground vehicles unless it is an AA truck or open-topped vehicle. Aside from that, the two methods to using this plane are very similar, but there are some differences to using them.

Air Superiority

Start by side-climbing at a constant speed of roughly 180 MPH (289 KPH) until you reach roughly 15,583 feet (4,750 meters). This will allow you to get the jump on most enemy planes while keeping your energy up. The altitude is good when you are facing most same-tier vehicles, as the MB.5's contra-rotating propeller provides an excellent power plant for climbing. When you see an enemy aircraft, make sure that your speed is up, and always Boom n' Zoom with the MB.5. While the plane is a combination of a Spitfire and a Mustang, it is not designed for prolonged turning engagements, and you will quickly lose energy in a turning battle. As you dive on your target, fire a quick burst of your 20 mm cannons then pull up and fly away. The speed of the MB.5 makes it very difficult for most planes to keep up with you. Once you have safely climbed away, repeat the following steps in search of targets.

Bomber Interceptor

It is important to note that the MB.5 does not get an aerial spawn like your true interceptor does, so it is vital that you side-climb until you reach 18,044 feet (5,500 meters) to effectively intercept most enemy heavy bombers. Once you have reached altitude, keep your speed and energy up while continuing to slowly climb in search of targets. When you have found a target, always be sure you have the altitude advantage, otherwise you risk losing your best asset- speed. Important!Before you begin your attack, be sure you have angled your attack run properly before attacking a bomber to present the smallest possible window for the enemy gunners. Once you have set up you run correctly, make a quick pass and fire a moderate-sized burst, then pull away immediately. Be sure that you are certain you are out of range of the enemy gunner's, otherwise you risk becoming a flying fireball.

Specific enemies worth noting

German Aircraft

Just about every German aircraft at Battle-Rating 5.0 and up will have the most dangerous ammunition in the game- the Minengeschoß, of "Mine Shell." The round is designed to punch through the thin layers of an aircraft and explode inside. The most common enemy you will be facing is the Bf-109 G series. The 109 G is an excellent energy fighter and can mount external gun pods. The adversary that will give you the most problems is the Focke-Wulf Ta-152, which has heavy armament to punish any plane in its path. Another adversary to take into account is the Messerschmitt Me-410 B-6/R-3, which can rip through any opposing aircraft.

Russian Aircraft

Any aircraft bearing the prefix "Yak" is an aircraft not to be taken lightly, as their nose-mounted weaponry and high maneuverability will give you a run for your money. The most dangerous adversary you will face here is the La-7B-20, which consists of three nose-mounted cannons. In addition, the La-7B has extremely good energy retention and the "Ground Target" ammunition for the cannons are notorious for tearing apart enemy aircraft. In addition, the most underestimated opponents on the Russians are the IL-10 and the Su-6, which have murderous primary armaments. Under no circumstances are you to engage these attackers head-on.

American Aircraft

While you are better than most American aircraft in respect to climbing, some American aircraft are feared universally in War Thunder, and deserve special note. The P-38L-5-LO Lightning will be one of the most dangerous opponent that is less-common. The nose-mounted .50 Cals and 20 mm cannon act like a buzz saw that tears apart anyone foolish enough to head-on or expose themselves to this plane. In addition, the P-38L has a better rate-of-climb and has a phenomenal roll-rate that will dance around you. The P-38K Lightning has some of the same aspects, only the P-38K is faster. The other heavy fighter that will give you a run for your money is the F-82E Twin Mustang, which not only has a better roll-speed that the Lightning, but it can mount the gun-pod that carries 8 additional .50 Caliber machine guns, which make this plane the most dangerous in any head-on engagement. Another plane to take into consideration is the P-51D Mustang, which is an excellent BnZ fighter that carries the feared M20 API-T Tracer rounds that turn it into a flamethrower. The P-47N Thunderbolt has the same principle, only it gets the "Interceptor" spawn and carries 8 .50 Cals, making it the deadliest opponent on this list. Another American aircraft to take into consideration is the A-26B-50 Invader, which has 14 .50 Cals, and two turrets, each with two .50 Cals. The A-26B-50 is also frighteningly fast for its type, and will give even fighters a run for their money. Avoid any frontal engagement with this attacker and do not tail it. The AD-2 and AD-4 Skyraiders are also surprisingly maneuverable for their type. While it is unlikely, you do have the possibility of facing the F8F-1 Bearcat, which boasts amazing maneuverability.

Japanese Aircraft

Japan has the most maneuverable planes in the game, which means just about any of the planes you face from this nation are worth mentioning however, a few stand out. The A7M Reppū is the most common adversary you will face, which has a lethal combination of heavy machine gun and cannon fire. In addition, it has a turn-radius that will dance all over the MB.5. The J2M Raiden is also worth mentioning, as the Raiden will give even Mustang pilots a run for their money. The Ki-84 is also worth mentioning, due to its maneuverability and hard-hitting weaponry.

Italian Aircraft

Italy has among the most maneuverable aircraft, more maneuverable than most German planes. However, the Italians fighters from rank II and up to rank IV feature the German MG 151 20 mm cannons, which sport the feared Minengeschoß rounds. The one of the two most plausible adversaries you will face will be G.56, which has good energy retention and powerful armament. The other is the Bf-109 G-14/AS, which can mount MK 108 30 mm cannons in external gun pods. The additional firepower will tear the MB.5 apart, due to the MK 108s getting access to the Minengeschoß rounds. It is important to note that both of these planes have a significantly better rate of climb than the MB.5, so take care when facing the Italians.

Counter-tactics

A smart MB.5 pilot will solely use the plane in a Boom n' Zoom fashion and take almost any effort to not engage in a turn fight. The best way to eliminate an MB.5 is to either catch it in a turn if they make a critical error, or try to energy trap it. Some MB.5 pilots will be fooled into trying to energy fight you, especially if they have a significant amount of energy. Try to bait them into energy fighting and finish them off with a "Hammerhead" maneuver.

If you cannot fool an MB.5 pilot into energy fighting, try to pull a corkscrew maneuver at the tip of their dive to get on their Six. This will work especially well if you are using an aircraft like the P-38L, Ta-152, or even a P-47N. The MB.5 has the bubble canopy, and thus leaves the pilot highly exposed to enemy fire.

**Important** It is not strongly advised to try and out-dive an MB.5, as the air-frame is highly resilient in a dive and quickly builds up speed and energy in a dive. If an MB.5 has made it onto your tail try and make it bleed energy in a few flat turns.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements

Mixer

Pitch

Radiator

Supercharger

Turbocharger

Oil

Water

Type

Controllable

Not controllable

Not controllable

Not controllable

Separate

Not controllable

Not controllable

Modules

Tier

Flight performance

Survivability

Weaponry

I

Fuselage Repair

Radiator

Offensive 20 mm

II

Compressor

Airframe

III

Wings Repair

Engine

New 20 mm Cannons

IV

Engine Injection

Cover

Mk.II year 1943

Pros and cons

Pros:

British 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, which have the powerful "Air Targets" ammunition

Contra-Rotating propeller, which provides amazing thrust

Excellent speed for its Battle-Rating

Nice Silver Lions earner and a great Rank IV grinder

Plentiful ammunition for the 20 mm cannons

Good roll-rate when you get up to speed

Excellent cockpit visibility (Simulator Battles)

Excellent speed in a dive

Cons:

"Only" Hispano Mk.IIs. They are effective but no where near as good as the Mk.V

Bubble canopy leaves the pilot exposed to fire- pilot snipes are not uncommon

History

Founded in the 1930s, Martin-Baker was focused on designing all-metal, high-performance aircraft with the most advanced technology available—and then arming them to the teeth with as many weapons as possible.

By the early 1940s, Martin-Baker’s powerful MB-3 prototype—the M.B.5’s predecessor—took to the skies for the first time. It achieved good speed (668 km/h) and aerial agility while carrying an unprecedented primary armament of six 20mm cannons.

In September 1942, James Martin, the lead engineer and founder of Martin-Baker, continued developing the MB-3. But fighter requirements changed in 1943 and he abandoned the MB-3 design to work on the M.B.5. Although borrowing characteristics from the MB-3, the M.B.5 ended up being a completely different aircraft.

The M.B.5’s primary armament was reduced to four 20mm cannons. In addition, a new Rolls-Royce Griffon 83 engine powering 2 contra-rotating propellers was installed.

The M.B.5 prototype was finished in 1944 and conducted its maiden flight on 23 May 1944. After resolving some minor stability issues and more than 80 hours of test flights, the M.B.5 was finally submitted for official, final testing in 1946.

During testing the M.B.5 achieved a top speed of 740 km/h and received high praise from test pilots for its superb cockpit layout. Maintenance crews also liked the M.B.5 for its ease of maintenance.

But because the Second World War had ended and the British RAF had begun replacing its piston engine aircraft with jet fighters. As a result, the RAF wasn’t interested in the M.B.5 and the project was eventually shut down. Attempts to sell the M.B.5 abroad also failed.

Bad market timing and newer jet technology ultimately stopped the M.B.5 from ever leaving the prototype stage. In addition, Martin-Baker eventually stopped designing aircraft altogether, and instead developed and manufactured aircraft ejection seats. This ultimately worked out very well for them, and today, Martin-Baker is one of the biggest brands in the field of ejection seat development—an achievement that often overshadows their aircraft manufacturing history.